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Ex-Rome officer sentenced for sexual battery

ROME — A former Rome police officer has been sentenced to two years in prison for inappropriately touching a 17-year-old student.

Marcus McReynolds pleaded guilty Friday to charges of making false statements, violating his oath of office and misdemeanor sexual battery.

He was accused of touching the girl last fall while she was serving as a police intern. McReynolds was subsequently fired from the police department. The Rome News Tribune reports (http://bit.ly/K5wwoA ) that McReynolds must also get counseling and pay a $3,000 fine.

Testimony in the case showed that McReynolds lied to investigators twice when confronted about the teenager's allegations. Police video showed the inappropriate contact between the officer and the girl.

McReynolds' attorney, Chris Twyman, said the cover-up made the situation worse.

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